FAQ and Company Policies

 

Click on a question below to be taken directly to the answer. If your question is not here, feel

free to reach out to us via email at csa@porterfarms.org.

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 > When will Porter Farms begin sign-up for the season?

> Are shares available to new members for the season?

> How do I sign up?

> Can I join after the season is already underway?

> When will vegetables be available?

> Do you grow fruit?

> How much food is in the bag each week?

> What if a share is too much food for me?

> Do I get to choose what is in my bag each week?

> What time can I expect to be able to pick up my bag? 

> How does this work for Rochester-area members?

> How does this work for Buffalo-area members?

> Where is the farm located?

> What if I can't get to pick up my bag until Sunday?

> What if I am going out of town and cannot pick up my bag?

> I have a friend who is interested in CSA, but isn’t sure if it’s for her.  Can she get a free bag to try it out?

> Do you offer a refund policy?

> How do I get in touch with Porter Farms?

> How can I help reduce costs?

> What is Porter Farms' policy on returned checks?

 

 

 

 

 

When will Porter Farms begin sign-up for the season?

Registration for the 2024 season begins on 2/1/24! Click Join at the top of the page. 

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Are shares available to new members this season? 

Yes, we have shares available! We are easily able to accommodate an additional 100 members in 2024. For more information, just email us at csa@porterfarms.org

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How do I sign up? 

To sign up, go to the JOIN page and follow the instructions. All registration is done online, but you still have the option to pay by check. 

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Can I join after the season is already underway? 

YES! We are always accepting new members. Please contact us for a pro-rated price.

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When will vegetables be available?

Our season will begin again in late June 2023. Members will receive a welcome email in early June with general information. Your site coordinator will also email you with details. Please email Porter Farms if you haven't received these communications.  Return to top

 

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Do you grow fruit?

We planted a 10 acre organic fruit orchard in 2009, including Asian pears, apples, and peaches. Some of the trees are becoming more established and we are hopeful that they will produce more fruit in the upcoming season. Any fruit we are able to harvest will be included in your regular share without additional cost. To stay up-to-date on the progress of our orchard, please be sure to read your weekly newsletters!

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How much food is in the bag each week?

Shares are offered in two sizes, a full share and a small share. Generally, we estimate a full share would be appropriate for an average family of four, or two vegetarians, for a week. We try to keep an assortment of about 6-10 different vegetables in each bag, varying with each week and season. Check out our Produce Availability Chart to see when you can expect different items in your shares. 

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How much food is in each share?

See reference on Prices page

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Do I get to choose what is in my bag each week?

Sorry, but no.  We harvest only what is in season and at the peak of ripeness each week. Since the majority of our members do not come to the farm, it is impossible to customize each bag for delivery.  We believe this represents an awesome opportunity for you to explore new vegetables and try new recipes as part of one's quest to lead a healthier lifestyle.

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What time can I expect to be able to pick up my bag? 

The bags are filled on Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. If you are a local member you may pick up any time after 8:30 a.m.  If you can't make it before 11:00 a.m., we will put your bag in the cooler, where it will remain until you can pick it up.  If you are a driver from Buffalo, we ask that you arrive between 8:30 and 11 a.m., this will ensure that the bags arrive at their drop off sites by noon. New for 2023: Rochester bags are delivered on Thursdays. For the Rochester members the exact schedule will not be determined until the driver has done the route and we know exactly how many bags we have to deliver. However, it is our goal to get the bags to their drop-off site by 5pm.

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How does this work for Rochester-area members?

Rochester-area members will choose a pick-up site most convenient for them, and our driver will deliver to the site on Thursday afternoons. Your site coordinator will contact you with details.  

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How does this work for Buffalo-area members? 

Buffalo area members will choose a pick-up site most convenient for them, and then will rotate driving to the farm to pick up the bags for their group. Depending on the size of the group, the members only have to drive between 1 and 3 times over the 20 week season.  It's crucial to remember that it's your responsibility to pick up the bags by 11 a.m. on Saturday morning when it's your turn; being late to the drop-off site will impact everyone in your group if you forget or are running late. 

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Where is the farm located?

The farm is located at 4911 Edgerton Road in Elba, just north of Batavia, about halfway between Buffalo and Rochester. To get to the farm, take the Batavia Exit 48 off the Thruway (turn right) on Route 98 going North, continue 3 miles. Turn right onto Edgerton Road another 2 miles, and look for the Porter Farms sign on the left. Produce is in the barn at the end of the driveway on the left.

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What if I can't get to pick up my bag until Sunday?

If you know you will not be able to get your bag on Saturday, please let your site host know so they can make sure your bag is put in a protected place until you can get there. If you normally pick up your bag at the farm each week, we have a cooler where your bag will be stored.

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What if I am going out of town and cannot pick up my bag?

We encourage members to find a friend, neighbor, house sitter or co-worker to give the bag to. If you absolutely cannot find anyone to give your bag to, let us know by phone or e-mail and we will donate your bag to a local family or organization.

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I have a friend who is interested in CSA, but isn’t sure if it’s for her.  Can she get a free bag to try it out?

Yes! If you know someone who might be interested in our program, they can try a bag for one week, free! Have them fill out our Guest Bag form by clicking here. If they would like to join after they receive the guest bag, they may call for a pro-rated price and let us know which delivery site they prefer. Keep in mind that we have pick-up sites in both the Buffalo and Rochester areas.

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Do you offer a refund policy?

We offer a one-week free trial for any member who is unsure about signing on for CSA membership, and encourage you to take advantage of it before making your decision.   We also encourage you to thoroughly read the FAQ or ask us for clarification to make sure you understand the parameters of the program.  Once you have become a member, we will refund your membership fees only in the event of an extenuating circumstance (moving out of the area, illness, etc.).  Remember that the basic idea behind CSA membership is to contribute toward the expenses the farm will have in the coming year.  Budgets are made and supplies are purchased based on our membership totals before the season even begins.

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How do I get in touch with Porter Farms?

If you still have questions after reviewing our website, you may email us at csa@porterfarms.org or call us at (585) 757-6823. Remember to read our Fresh Picks newsletter for the most up-to-date information as well. Please be understanding and patient with us if it takes us a few days to get back to you.  We do our best to respond to your questions as quickly as possible.

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What is Porter Farms' policy on returned checks?

Bounce a check, and we'll forgive you, for $25!  A bounced check definitely adds to our administrative costs and headaches.

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